According to reports in Italy, both Napoli and Inter Milan are keen to sign Ayoze Perez this summer – with Corriere dello Sport suggesting a £25m release clause could exist in his current contract.

The Northern Echo claim that Napoli have named Perez as one of their leading attacking targets this summer and will test Newcastle’s resolve with a big this summer, while reports in Italy also state that Inter Milan have tracked him for ‘many months’.

Italian outlet Corriere dello Sport suggest a €30m (£25.7m) release clause may exist in his current deal, but these claims are yet to be confirmed by a more reliable source.

I’m quite sure many fans may have been more than happy to cash in on Perez just a season or two ago, with several seeing him as a frustrating talent who was often too lightweight and inconsistent, however he’s flourished at the business end of the past two seasons and is proving why Rafa rates him so highly.

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He was our top scorer last season with 10 goals and is on track to be our leading marksman once again this year, enjoying his best season yet on Tyneside with 12 goals and 4 assists in all competitions.

Would you be open to cashing in on the Spaniard if a big offer arrived and Benitez was handed the money to reinvest, or do you believe he’s now an invaluable player in Rafa’s system?

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